Capistrano Unified picks Smith as superintendent

Dennis M. Smith was named superintendent of the Capistrano Unified School District on Monday.

Smith, currently chief of the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District, has also led districts in Irvine, Laguna Beach, San Diego County and Orlando, Fla. He will begin July 1 at Capistrano, replacing Interim Supt. Charles McCully.

McCully replaced James Fleming, who resigned in August after a 15-year tenure marred by controversies.

Smith's four-year contract, approved unanimously Monday by district trustees, includes an annual salary of $255,000, a $33,000 annual annuity, a transportation stipend of $900 per month, and health, welfare, vacation and sick leave benefits.